Italy envoy: We’ll partner Kaduna govt to boost investments

The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Lacopo Foti, has expressed his country’s readiness to support the Kaduna State Government’s investment drive by encouraging Italian companies to invest in the state.

Foti made the pledge when he paid a visit to the deputy governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, in Kaduna on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

He said: “We have come to introduce ourselves, learn about the government’s plans, and see if there are investments which you want the Italian Embassy to facilitate.

“If there are private investments you desire in Kaduna, especially in machinery or manufacturing, or if you have plans for the next few years, let us know. If you’re interested in agricultural machinery companies like tractor plants, we can make contact with them.”

The ambassador further urged the Kaduna State Government to “approach our embassy and we will link you up. We are ready to collaborate in manufacturing, technology and other areas.”

“In the coming months, we hope to do something concrete. We await proposals from Kaduna State regarding their interests, which we’ll take to the Italian Government,” Foti added.

He stated that Italian investors would find Kaduna’s climate a bit better than Abuja’s and its people friendly, adding: “This is my first time in Kaduna, and I hope to return next month.

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“We have Italians living here; this visit is an opportunity to meet them and see how we can help them and the state government.”

Responding, Balarabe acknowledged the long history between Italy and Nigeria, and expressed interest in establishing strong economic relations.

Balarabe highlighted Kaduna State’s advantages in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, energy, technology, and human capital development, noting that the state is the largest producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger in Nigeria.

“We have advantages in agriculture, mining, tourism, and human capital. Italy excels in manufacturing, technology, education, and renewable energy. I hope we can establish collaboration in these areas,” the deputy governor said.

Balarabe, who directed the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to prepare a proposal for the Italian Embassy, also expressed hope that the ambassador’s visit “kicks off substantial conversations between our state and Italy.”

Balarabe said the Kaduna State Government looks forward to engaging with the ambassador, with the hope that “this won’t be your last visit to Kaduna”.

The Star